Well, Christmas is around the corner once again. Previously, we have selected a few watches (well, it is a horological website after all) as gift ideas, but what if you wish to give a gentleman friend of yours a gift that is not related to watches?
Fret not, because we are here to help! For this week’s Throwback Sundays, we will be selecting six gift ideas that we think will be perfect for a gentleman. It will definitely be an icing on the cake, especially if he is particularly interested in sartorial or gentleman’s essentials.
Let us get started!
Panama Hat
Panama hats are actually made of straw woven into the shape in Ecuador.
We first start off with a Panama Hat, from the Hat of Cain.
A light panama hat is a good accompaniment to a casual ensemble, and useful to shield the sun from one’s eyes. Additionally, it is adequate to keep the heat of the day away, while keeping a casual yet gentleman outlook. The short brim hat is hand made in Ecuador from toquilla straw using age old craftsmanship handed down for generations. The Panama is known for its classic and clean look, a must-have accessory and summer essential.
This particular example, for instance, retails at $395. It is available at Kevin Seah Bespoke and directly from Hat of Cain.
Tie
The tie: E.G. Cappelli. Green with spots of red, white and blue. Note the hand rolled edges, and the 7 fold construction.
Next up, we have a green silk print tie by E.G. Cappelli, an artisan based in Naples. The tie, interestingly, follows the classic English style. Besides its striking matrix patterns, the tie also features light interlining, a full length slip stitch (essential for the tie to carry a nice knot and retain its shape) and beautiful hand rolled edges. Definitely the gift to go for, if the recipient is a gentleman who loves to dress with bold and interesting combinations.
The tie retails at HK$1,900, from The Armoury.
Briefcase
Frank Clegg Lawyer’s briefcase.
We turn now turn our eyes to one of the corporate essentials: a briefcase. The briefcase is an important accessory for a gentleman, for it is used to keep documents, pens, or even an ultra-lightweight laptop that can determine a multi-million dollar deal.
This particular briefcase, from Frank Clegg, is an excellent example. We love its classic design, and its choice of color. It certainly pairs well with a beautiful suit, and a matching pair of brown Oxfords.
This example above is priced at HK$12,800, from The Armoury as well.
Pocket Square
The Charvet pocket square, on a navy blue Rubinacci jacket.
A pocket square may be small and subtle, but it makes a whole lot of difference when one puts a pocket square in his jacket’s breast pocket. Not only is it able to add some style, but it has also the capability to make a plain suit stand out.
Our choice of pocket square for today is from Charvet. This particular silk pocket square features a maroon hue, and it is paired with square-dotted pattern. Its edges are even hand-rolled, which is a hallmark of a well-made and magnificent pocket square. It will definitely be a welcoming addition to a gentleman’s wardrobe.
The Charvet Pocket Square is priced at $100, and it can be purchased at Malmaison by The Hour Glass.
Cuff Links
A pair of cuff links by Roland Iten, together with an alligator wallet by Ethan K and a Parmigiani Tonda Skeleton.
Similar to a pocket square, a pair of cuff links may be a minute but significant portion in every gentleman’s daily essentials. It gives an individual some characteristics, and it adds an interesting touch to one’s corporate attire.
For someone who loves a little bling and boldness, we would recommend giving a pair of Roland Iten’s RZ8 MK II ZILETTO Slyders Cuff Links. This particular example that is shown here is finished in rose gold with black DLC. Additionally, it also incorporates a sophisticated push-button ejection mechanism and a unique click-controlled, sliding sleeve calibration system. Pretty intriguing, especially when many considers cuff links as mere accessories and pays no particular attention in improving the way it works.
The Roland Iten‘s RZ8 MK II ZILETTO Slyders Cuff Links, featuring Black DLC rose gold and diamonds, retails around S$16,800 at Malmaison by The Hour Glass.
Whisky
For the evening, perhaps a double shot of this magnificent, 24 year old Scotch by Laphroaig.
To end off this article, we reckon that a gentleman would be more than happy to receive a nice bottle of whisky. Despite the hype with Japanese and Canadian whiskey (think Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, the world whiskey of the year according to Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible), we all still love a good ol’ bottle of Scotch. And what more if it is from Islay, with its distinctive peaty flavors?
This independent bottling from Hunter Laing & Company, from its Old & Rare Platinum collection, is filled with a single cask whisky that has been aged for 24 years from the Laphroaig distillery. Apart from its peaty flavor, this bottle of Scotch also offers a crisp note with subtle vanilla hints (nose), a citrus, creamy and clean taste (palate), with a lasting floral note (finish). A pretty awesome dram, especially if one has a preference for a smoky and seaweed character that is often associated with Islay whiskies.
The bottle of Laphroaig whisky, from Hunter & Laing, costs HK$7,650 from The Armoury. Only 285 bottles are produced, by the way.
Concluding Thoughts
Well, we hope that you have enjoyed our Throwback article this week. We focus mainly on sartorial this week, as we think that this is what a gentleman really wants. Or rather, what would put a bright smile on his face. Hopefully, you will have found this article useful in sorting out some of your Christmas shopping headaches this year!
Once again, we wish everyone a very merry Christmas, and a wonderful New Year. Till then, ciao!
